The Greater Roadrunner, Geococcyx, californianus, an iconic bird that is the symbol of many Native American, and Mexican legends. This speedy ground dwelling birds namesake has been used for a popular American car model, and without question, one of the all time great Sunday morning cartoons that we all grew up with. Hardly a brochure from the Southwest US or Mexico is published without the Roadrunners image on it.

So, you can imagine my excitement when my first Greater Roadrunner nearly walked right up to me as I sat in a blind observing Costa’s Hummingbirds sitting on a nest. Ever since that first one, they have come to be quite a common sight considering how much I travel the roads of the southern Baja. Nearly every trip into the desert, I see them Zipping back and forth across the dusty Mexican back roads

Palmira Canyon 2

The Greater Roadrunner, a member of the cuckoo family, is native to much of the Southwestern United States, and northern Mexico. There is a close relative, the Lesser Roadrunner, Geococcy velox, found in a small area of eastern central Mexico. It is very similar in appearance, slightly smaller in overall size, with a shorter bill.

The primary food source for the roadrunner is insects, lizards, and small snakes, which it gets ahold of and bashes on a rock until dead. They are quite capable of killing and eating the venomous rattlesnakes of this desert region.

While this bird is know for its ability to run at some very high speeds, consistently up to 20 MPH, it is an excellent flyer. Several times I have seen roadrunners fly well over 100 yards from a ridge top to the desert floor. It is also common to see them perched on a tall cactus, keeping a look out for that next meal.

Res La Buena Mujer

 

Rancho Innocent

So, be honest, how many of you saw this story, or series of photos, and somewhere in the back of your head, just had a little “Beep-beep” sneak out? Thank you ACME and Wiley E. Coyote for keeping this great bird as popular as it is!

 

Rancho Sol De Mayo

Written by Tom Brown
Tom Brown grew up in the high desert area of central Oregon. His love for birds and photography started at a young age. Thru the course of time, travel, and a lot of different occupations, he ended up living in Seattle, and met a girl with a sailboat. When he is not scouring whatever area they are in, looking for the next great bird photo, he can be found trying to earn enough money for the next adventure, and of course, a new lens or camera body! Having been nick-named “The Bird Nerd” by his last remaining friends and family, Tom continues search for that next lifer, and the accompanying photo that goes with it. Find his continuing adventures, photographs, and guiding opportunities at Focus on Feathers.